Friday, June 27, 2014

Courage- It's Not The Absence Of Fear

Courage is defined as the ability to do something in the face of fear. We all have fear. Some of us are afraid of speaking in front of a crowd, for some it is fear of taking tests. Sometimes we are afraid of making a good impression on a job interview.  Fears are apart of life. But eventually we need to face our fears in order to move forward.

Think of a gymnast for example, can't you just imagine the fear of falling? Yet if they don't try, they will never learn what they are capable of doing. They must face their fear and they may fall many times before they get their moves just right.

Following Christ is like that too. We can't shrink when we are asked about our faith. Jesus said if we admit we follow Him to others, He will admit we are His followers to the Father. On the other hand if we deny that we know Him, He will deny us before the Father. This takes courage. Why? Because we are afraid of other's opinion. They may reject us or persecute us. But we have to share our faith. We demonstrate our faith by our behavior. But must  have the courage to speak the name of Jesus! Jesus taught that if they hate Him they will also hate us. If they love Him they will also love us. And he taught that we will indeed be persecuted but even in  persecution is blessing.

Don't be afraid.  Think of Mary telling Joseph about her pregnancy! Think of Daniel facing a hungry den of lions and a fiery furnace!

Whatever the Holy Spirit is leading you to do, do it!  Test the spirit, pray and search the Word. God will show you what to do. And when He does do it! And do it afraid!

*Psalms 56:3 When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.
*Matthew 10:32 “Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven.
*Matthew 10:33 But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.
*John 15:18 “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.
*Matthew 5:10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.



 

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